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Stubborn Bougainvillea

Posted: Thu Jun 13, 2019 1:24 pm
by weleasewoger
bougainvilla 1.jpg
I bought two about 4 years ago, they're overwintered in a heated greenhouse, kept slightly moist and come into leaf around mid March after which watering and feeding begins. They then go outside late May.
However this year one plant has stubbornly refused to show any leaves or bracts yet if any of the branches are scratched there is green growth underneath (photo 2) so it's not dead.
Any idea of the cause and how I can get the plant into growth?

Stubborn Bougainvillea

Posted: Thu Jun 13, 2019 1:51 pm
by chainsaw kid
In he words of John Cleese It needs a dammed good thrashing! Alternately leave it alone it will stop sulking eventually. How long has it been in that pot? Does it need repotting? icon_scratch icon_thumright

Stubborn Bougainvillea

Posted: Thu Jun 13, 2019 4:11 pm
by weleasewoger
No doesn't need repoting, no where near rootbound, properly watered and fed.

Stubborn Bougainvillea

Posted: Thu Jun 13, 2019 5:28 pm
by chainsaw kid
I have had it happen to me in the past, normally they start on there own but sometimes seem to struggle for the rest of the year. Which is always annoying. icon_rambo Sorry I can't help good luck it would be a shame to lose it. icon_thumright

Stubborn Bougainvillea

Posted: Thu Jun 13, 2019 5:53 pm
by charliep
A lot depends on the mixture of species in its genetic make up, a lot of the best hybrids for us in the UK prefer a cold dry winter and can sulk if kept too warm. I would put it somewhere with plenty of sun but very little water and keep fingers crossed

Stubborn Bougainvillea

Posted: Thu Jun 13, 2019 10:17 pm
by GREVILLEAJ
I've heard that misting the shoots and keeping the roots as dry as possible sometimes triggers growth.